The 10th annual event, at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, honors the First Amendment and New Hampshire residents who strive to exercise and protect the essential rights of free speech and free press.

This year's award recipients are Dave Lang, head of the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire, who prompted a multi-million-dollar refund to New Hampshire communities through his open government activism; and Debi Clark Valentine, who has organized youth civics programs for nearly three decades through the YMCA's Youth & Government programs.

Led by presenting sponsor People's United Bank, the First Amendment event is supported by a wide variety of businesses and civic and media leaders. Other major supporters include: Public Service of New Hampshire, Amoskeag Beverages, Bank of America, TD Charitable Foundation, The Common Man, Mosse & Mosse Associates, SilverTech, Fallon Community Health Plan, Southern New Hampshire University, Joseph and Signe McQuaid, AT&T, BAE Systems, Lincoln Financial, Live Free or Die Alliance, Wheelabrator Technologies, Fidelity Investments and The Dupont Group.

The event is a fundraiser that enables the school to continue offering free classes and low-cost workshops on topics including the First Amendment, journalism, social media, public relations, public speaking and photography.

Tickets are $50 for the awards event or $75, including a pre-event reception. They are available at ccanh.com, or the Capitol Center box office, 225-1111.